Islands in the East and west coast to be developed by the centre

The Home ministry has set in motion implementation of developmental
projects in the nine islands both in the east and west coast of the country in
an effort to build their maritime economy over a period of years.

From promoting the tuna fishing industry in Lakshadweep to the joint use of
Shibpur Naval air station in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Union Home Minister
Rajnath Singh reviewed the concept development plans and detailed master plans
for the holistic development of nine islands by the Island Development Agency
(IDA) on November eighth.

The nine include four in Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Smith, Ross, Long,
Avis) and five part of Lakshadweep (Minicoy, Bangaram, Thinnakara, Cheriyam,
Suheli).

The project piloted by NITI Aayog aims to implement development based on a
sustainable approach to build a thriving maritime economy of the islands.

This was the second IDA meeting and Singh expressed satisfaction at the
progress to identify and execute infrastructure and connectivity projects. “It
was noted that site development potential reports have clearly mapped and
delineated environmentally sensitive zones in the project islands and
considering the unique maritime and territorial bio-diversity of the islands,
enhanced connectivity has been recommended as one of the key priorities…

It was also decided that the Naval air station at Shibpur near Diglipurin
Andaman Nicobar islands would be co-used as Joint User Airport,” a statement by
the Home Minis